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Puścion-Jakubik A, Pienkiewicz M, Steckiewicz K, Stypułkowska A, Grabia M, Bielecka J, Markiewicz-Żukowska R, Socha K. Use of Hand Creams during the Period of Frequent Disinfection in COVID-19 Pandemic-Preference Survey and Evaluation of Mercury Contamination. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:13025. [PMID: 36293639 PMCID: PMC9602347 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192013025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2022] [Revised: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The skin is one of the ways the human body is exposed to toxic elements, including mercury (Hg). Hand creams are cosmetics that should be of high quality due to the fact that they can be used on irritated skin, which can facilitate the absorption of many ingredients. The study consisted of two stages: a consumer questionnaire was conducted regarding the preferences of the respondents, and then the Hg content in hand creams was determined. The survey covered 184 people with an age of 26.9 ± 7.8 years. Based on their preferences, 140 hand creams were selected for the study. The Hg content in the creams was determined by atomic absorption spectrometry with the amalgamation technique. The median content of this toxic element was 4.067 µg/kg. No influence of the country of origin, price, package size, main ingredients, and direction of action on the Hg content was shown. Noncarcinogenic risk assessment using the hazard quotient (HQ) indicated that the tested creams are safe. However, it should be emphasized that Hg has been shown in over 99% of the samples, which indicates that the content of this element in hand creams should be monitored.
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Hickey SM, Ung B, Bader C, Brooks R, Lazniewska J, Johnson IRD, Sorvina A, Logan J, Martini C, Moore CR, Karageorgos L, Sweetman MJ, Brooks DA. Fluorescence Microscopy-An Outline of Hardware, Biological Handling, and Fluorophore Considerations. Cells 2021; 11:35. [PMID: 35011596 PMCID: PMC8750338 DOI: 10.3390/cells11010035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Revised: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Fluorescence microscopy has become a critical tool for researchers to understand biological processes at the cellular level. Micrographs from fixed and live-cell imaging procedures feature in a plethora of scientific articles for the field of cell biology, but the complexities of fluorescence microscopy as an imaging tool can sometimes be overlooked or misunderstood. This review seeks to cover the three fundamental considerations when designing fluorescence microscopy experiments: (1) hardware availability; (2) amenability of biological models to fluorescence microscopy; and (3) suitability of imaging agents for intended applications. This review will help equip the reader to make judicious decisions when designing fluorescence microscopy experiments that deliver high-resolution and informative images for cell biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shane M. Hickey
- Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide 5000, Australia; (C.B.); (R.B.); (J.L.); (I.R.D.J.); (A.S.); (J.L.); (C.M.); (C.R.M.); (L.K.); (M.J.S.); (D.A.B.)
| | - Ben Ung
- Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide 5000, Australia; (C.B.); (R.B.); (J.L.); (I.R.D.J.); (A.S.); (J.L.); (C.M.); (C.R.M.); (L.K.); (M.J.S.); (D.A.B.)
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Wang Z, Fang X. Chronic Mercury Poisoning From Daily Cosmetics: Case Report and Brief Literature Review. Cureus 2021; 13:e19916. [PMID: 34976519 PMCID: PMC8712233 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.19916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic mercury poisoning from cosmetics is often misdiagnosed and mistreated due to atypical clinical presentations and high industrial standards and quality control of cosmetic products. Here we present a case of a 45-year-old female with a four-month history of progressive weakness, atrophy, insomnia, mood swings, chorea-like movement, extremity pain and hyperalgesia. The routine workup for neuropathy and myopathy such as CK, EMG were unremarkable. However heavy metal screen revealed significantly elevated mercury levels. Afterwards, we found it was caused by daily-use whitening cosmetics through the hair segmented toxicant analysis to trace the dynamics changing of mercury concentration in the body. After the removal of the patient from the source of exposure, and chelation therapy, her symptoms had gradually improved. When patients have unexplained behavioral changes, cognitive decline, sleep disturbance, fatigue, pain, and other unspecific manifestations, the possibility of mercury poisoning should be considered, blood mercury and urine mercury should be detected, and the source of exposure should be investigated and timely treatment should be given.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Xiang Fang
- Neurology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, USA
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Cossa H, Scheidegger R, Leuenberger A, Ammann P, Munguambe K, Utzinger J, Macete E, Winkler MS. Health Studies in the Context of Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining: A Scoping Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:1555. [PMID: 33562086 PMCID: PMC7914471 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18041555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Revised: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) is an important livelihood activity in many low- and middle-income countries. It is widely acknowledged that there are a myriad of health risk and opportunities associated with ASM. However, little is known with regard to which aspects of health have been studied in ASM settings. We conducted a scoping review of peer-reviewed publications, using readily available electronic databases (i.e., PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science) from inception to 14 July 2020. Relevant information was synthesized with an emphasis on human and environmental exposures and health effects in a context of ASM. Our search yielded 2764 records. After systematic screening, 176 health studies from 38 countries were retained for final analysis. Most of the studies (n = 155) focused on health in ASM extracting gold. While many of the studies included the collection of environmental and human samples (n = 154), only few (n = 30) investigated infectious diseases. Little attention was given to vulnerable groups, such as women of reproductive age and children. Our scoping review provides a detailed characterisation of health studies in ASM contexts. Future research in ASM settings should address health more comprehensively, including the potential spread of infectious diseases, and effects on mental health and well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hermínio Cossa
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, P.O. Box, CH-4002 Basel, Switzerland; (A.L.); (P.A.); (J.U.); (M.S.W.)
- University of Basel, P.O. Box, CH-4003 Basel, Switzerland
- Manhiça Health Research Centre, C.P. 1929 Maputo, Mozambique; (K.M.); (E.M.)
| | - Rahel Scheidegger
- Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, P.O. Box, CH-8092 Zurich, Switzerland;
| | - Andrea Leuenberger
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, P.O. Box, CH-4002 Basel, Switzerland; (A.L.); (P.A.); (J.U.); (M.S.W.)
- University of Basel, P.O. Box, CH-4003 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Priska Ammann
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, P.O. Box, CH-4002 Basel, Switzerland; (A.L.); (P.A.); (J.U.); (M.S.W.)
- University of Basel, P.O. Box, CH-4003 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Khátia Munguambe
- Manhiça Health Research Centre, C.P. 1929 Maputo, Mozambique; (K.M.); (E.M.)
- Faculty of Medicine, University Eduardo Mondlane, C.P. 257 Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Jürg Utzinger
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, P.O. Box, CH-4002 Basel, Switzerland; (A.L.); (P.A.); (J.U.); (M.S.W.)
- University of Basel, P.O. Box, CH-4003 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Eusébio Macete
- Manhiça Health Research Centre, C.P. 1929 Maputo, Mozambique; (K.M.); (E.M.)
- National Directorate of Public Health, Ministry of Health, C.P. 264 Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Mirko S. Winkler
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, P.O. Box, CH-4002 Basel, Switzerland; (A.L.); (P.A.); (J.U.); (M.S.W.)
- University of Basel, P.O. Box, CH-4003 Basel, Switzerland
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Dear K, Toholka R, Nixon R. Occupational skin disease in mining: an Australian case series. ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL & OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH 2020; 76:504-510. [PMID: 33372583 DOI: 10.1080/19338244.2020.1857674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The mining industry has one of the highest rates of occupational disease across all industries. However, occupational skin disease (OSD) is not commonly reported in this industry, although has been estimated to affect up to 51 people per 100,000 workers, with contact dermatitis accounting for the majority of cases. It often has a poor prognosis and leads to days lost from work. There have been relatively few reports regarding the specific forms of OSD encountered by miners worldwide. We report our experience of miners attending our Occupational Dermatology Clinic and our investigations at two Australian mines. We compare our findings with other reports of OSD in the mining population. The most commonly observed skin condition was irritant contact dermatitis, but miliaria and allergic contact dermatitis were also observed. It is not surprising that most cases of OSD appear to be related to harsh working conditions and exposures to multiple skin irritants, however, specific exposures causing ACD should not be forgotten. Our findings are consistent with previous studies of OSD in miners.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate Dear
- Skin Health Institute - Occupational Dermatology Research and Education Centre, Carlton, VIC, Australia
| | - Ryan Toholka
- Skin Health Institute - Occupational Dermatology Research and Education Centre, Carlton, VIC, Australia
| | - Rosemary Nixon
- Skin Health Institute - Occupational Dermatology Research and Education Centre, Carlton, VIC, Australia
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Yildiz M, Adrovic A, Gurup A, Karabag Yilmaz E, Ozer Y, Koker O, Sahin S, Kiykim E, Canpolat N, Barut K, Kasapcopur O. Mercury intoxication resembling pediatric rheumatic diseases: case series and literature review. Rheumatol Int 2020; 40:1333-1342. [PMID: 32342181 DOI: 10.1007/s00296-020-04589-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2020] [Accepted: 04/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Mercury is the only metal that remains in liquid form at the room temperature. It is a very toxic metal and even short-term exposure can lead to poisoning. Mercury intoxication can affect many systems such as skin, cardiovascular, genitourinary, central and peripheral nervous, respiratory, and musculoskeletal system. Consequently, the diagnosis of mercury intoxication can be challenging due to its non-specific and multisystemic presentation. Herein, we report five pediatric cases with mercury intoxication from two families that were initially misdiagnosed as rheumatic disorders. We also performed a literature review about pediatric cases with mercury intoxication to investigate the clinical findings in children, the source of intoxication, and the current treatment preferences. As in our cases, reported patients were previously misdiagnosed as various infectious and/or rheumatic diseases before the diagnosis of mercury intoxication was established. A delay in diagnosis and treatment can cause serious morbidities and even mortality. We report this case series to emphasize the multisystemic presentation of mercury intoxication, and to remind and provide clues for physicians to recognize this rare toxicologic syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehmet Yildiz
- Cerrahpasa Medical School, Department of Pediatric Rheumatology, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Amra Adrovic
- Cerrahpasa Medical School, Department of Pediatric Rheumatology, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Aybuke Gurup
- Cerrahpasa Medical School, Department of Pediatric Rheumatology, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Esra Karabag Yilmaz
- Cerrahpasa Medical School, Department of Pediatric Nephrology, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Yavuz Ozer
- Cerrahpasa Medical School, Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Oya Koker
- Cerrahpasa Medical School, Department of Pediatric Rheumatology, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Sezgin Sahin
- Cerrahpasa Medical School, Department of Pediatric Rheumatology, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ertugrul Kiykim
- Cerrahpasa Medical School, Department of Nutrition and Metabolism, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Nur Canpolat
- Cerrahpasa Medical School, Department of Pediatric Nephrology, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Kenan Barut
- Cerrahpasa Medical School, Department of Pediatric Rheumatology, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ozgur Kasapcopur
- Cerrahpasa Medical School, Department of Pediatric Rheumatology, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Istanbul, Turkey.
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